Examples

1 Cor. 10:1-13

Man seems to learn best by example, by actually seeing something, how it looks, and how it works. So in this passage Paul did just that for us. He spoke out plainly using the examples of the Israelite people on their wilderness walk to keep us from desiring evil as they did. What better choice since many of the converts were Jewish! Still for the Gentiles these examples carry a heavy weight. 

• First, do not be idolaters-The Israelites sat down to eat, drink, and play. These sound like normal activities, but even the everyday occurrences can harbor idolatry. This was especially meaningful to the Corinthians since they were eating food offered to idols, perhaps even going so far as to eat and drink in a Pagan temple. For us it brings to mind excesses, of the lack of self control in eating/gluttony, drinking/drunkenness, and playing/ pleasure [living just to please self]. 
• Second, do not engage in sexual immorality. That is cut and dried issue. However, a little trickier since our Supreme Court legalized same sex marriage. But of course, all of these are based on God's word not in human courts. 23,000 Israelites were killed in a single day because of this issue. Pretty serious in God's eyes! For us it is a strong warning to believers not to follow the course of our culture that is rampant with sexual immorality and perversion even to the point of legalization. Just because it is legal in America does not mean it is alright with God.
• Third, do not put Christ to the test. Do not doubt His words. What He says He means! For Israel, they were impatient with God's provision of food, water, and meat. Even after He provided, they were dissatisfied and longed for the slavery of Egypt. Their judgment-destruction by serpents.How sad! Are our hearts longing for what the world offers, or are we satisfied with the living Word. Matt. 5 says only in hungering and thirsting after righteousness will we be satisfied. If our feet are planted too firmly on this earth, what the world has looks pretty good. We must keep our eyes focused on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith and remember we are sojourners and aliens on this earth. We are just passing through!
• Fourth and finally, do not grumble. Grumbling...that sounds so innocent. I mean who doesn't grumble. We begin grumbling as children, and by the time, we are adults we are very accomplished at it. Sad! To God grumbling is discontent with what He has decided for our lives. It is saying I don't like this, and telling God that our idea is the better plan. What pride! For this area, we don't have to look very hard to see its infiltration in our lives. 

After hearing this examples, we might get discouraged. Just to think of never grumbling again is a little overwhelming. And besides that, all these judgments were so swift and fatal. Scary! But Paul concluded with some comforting words, No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. God has promised he will do it!  He wll give us a way of escape. In Heb. 6:18 it says, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.God  God will always keep His promises. We are the weak link. Knowing this, we must keep our eyes open to see His provision. We must lean on Him for all we need, but at the same time remove ourselves from constantly gazing at the world and what it offers. Paul said simply, Take heed. He gave us the facts, What are we going to do?

Father,

Help me to learn from these examples. Give me a heart of contentment. Help me to see the good in all situations. Keep my heart purely Yours.

In Jesus name,

Amen